Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What is typically included in the history and physical taken by a physician?

1. Current medications only

2. Detailed family medical history and physical examination

3. Patient insurance information

4. Recreational activities of the patient

The correct answer is: Detailed family medical history and physical examination

The history and physical examination conducted by a physician is a comprehensive assessment used to gather essential information about a patient's health status. It typically includes a detailed family medical history, which can provide insights into hereditary conditions that may affect the patient's health. The physical examination is an evaluative process where the physician assesses the patient's body systems to identify any abnormalities or health issues. Incorporating both the family medical history and the physical examination ensures that the physician evaluates not only the current state of the patient’s health but also contextual factors that could influence their care. This thorough approach is fundamental for diagnosing conditions, planning treatments, and establishing a baseline for ongoing health monitoring. The other options, while they may pertain to patient data, do not encompass the primary components of a history and physical: current medications are just a part of the overall health picture, patient insurance information is administrative and not medically relevant in this context, and recreational activities, although possibly relevant, do not carry the same weight in a clinical assessment as family health history and a physical examination.